Naively re-potted African Violets into large pots!

[spinrah]

I did purchase a specialty “African violet soil” from a decent brand so I’m hoping that’s not an issue.

[WaterWitchin]

Yeah, I usually use a Miracle Grow for AV's, so you should be good. Sometimes I add a bit more perlite or LECA to the mix, depending on pot size. Usually a one or two "balls" deep of LECA at bottom of pot.

Interestingly... I grow all orchids in semi-hydro. Many do semi-hydro with AV's. I've tried several times and had terrible results. Go figure.

[spinrah]

The one I’m using is the “Promix” brand we have here in Canada, not sure if it’s available in the US.
Thanks for the tips on adding perlite and LECA, I’ll keep that in mind.

[estación seca]

AV ancestor species are epiphytes. They grow in wet forests on mossy branches or mossy rocks. They have very short roots, like Bulbophyllums. The looser and better aerated your soil mix the easier they are to grow.

[Mountaineer370]

I have a few AVs. I have found that the commercial African Violet potting mix available around here is too heavy for my liking, so I always add more Perlite to it. I like the Violet Barn site. I have learned a lot there. FWIW, I have always watered mine from the top, even though I know that goes against much of the advice. I am careful to not overwater. They seem very susceptible to that

[WaterWitchin]

I think the idea of watering from the bottom comes from getting leaves wet, then them having sun on them. It spots the leaves. If the leaves get wet, but not in sun, they just dry. That's my understanding anyway. I water from the bottom because I use a tall container, put a couple inches of LECA in the bottom, so I don't have to water them very often. Mostly just don't like to water often.

[Mountaineer370]

I should have mentioned that caveat. When I do water from the top as I do, I am careful not to wet the leaves, and if I do, I dry them immediately.

[estación seca]

The rain in Africa lands on the leaves.

Sunlight passing through water cannot heat leaves above the temperature of the water resting on the leaves. The larger volume of water in the leaf will rapidly carry off any heat. Droplets on leaves do not lead to burns.

[Mountaineer370]

Originally Posted by estación seca

The rain in Africa lands on the leaves.

Sunlight passing through water cannot heat leaves above the temperature of the water resting on the leaves. The larger volume of water in the leaf will rapidly carry off any heat. Droplets on leaves do not lead to burns.

Thanks for reminding us of that. I do think of that often, as well as every time I hear that I shouldn't let water get in the crown of my orchids. Sometimes, certain advice is repeated often enough that it becomes some sort of mantra, but perhaps common sense should prevail.